2008 Rayne Vigneau
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. A little stickie, unsubtle and harsh. Hollow. Burnt caramel. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2008 Rayne-Vigneau has a more resinous bouquet with touches of almond and quince, but clearly less botrytis than the 2007. There is also a marine-like element. The palate is rounded and candied on the entry with an attractive effervescent quality with quince and peach notes informing the finish. It appears to have closed up a little in the last few months but it will rebound in a few years time. Drink 2016-2025+. Tasted April 2013.
Full gold. High-pitched aromas of apricot, spices, honey and marzipan, complicated by notes of coconut and mirabelle . Sweet and suave on entry, with a hint of coconutty oak, then honeyed but juicy in the middle palate, with bright integrated acidity giving cut to the wine's moderately thick texture and leavening its substantial sweetness. A very good, mouthfilling, fine-grained midweight with noteworthy spicy persistence.
Not especially aromatic on the nose but fresh and bright citrus fruit in the mouth. Rich, viscous and full and finishes pretty fresh still. (JH)
About the producer
The 1855 classification placed Ch. de Rayne Vigneau just behind Ch. d’Yquem – also a nearby neighbour. Its 84-hectare vineyard sits in a single block on gravel mounds, overlooking the Ciron in Sauternes, and producing impressive sweet wines.